Condenser with capillary cooling device

ABSTRACT

A condenser with capillarity cooling devices provides a condenser that has a plurality of cooling fins with a wick structure and a plurality of capillary water absorption layers of which the lower section is submerged in the water of a water reservoir provided underneath. Through capillarity and the characteristic of the capillary water absorption layers, water will be brought upward to moisturize the fins. When the water evaporates, a great amount of heat will be extracted from the fins, so as to increase the thermal efficiency of the condenser. Further, a pre-wetting water pipe is included, so that when an air conditioner is switched on and the condenser is started, the pre-wetting water pipe moisturizes the capillary water absorption layers immediately, and such moisture extends to the overall wick structures of fins. This will make evaporation take place instantly and thermal efficiency of condenser is increased.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a condenser with a capillary cooling device, and more particularly, to a condenser adapted for a cooling apparatus of high thermal efficiency.

2. Description of Related Art

In the condenser of a conventional air conditioning system, refrigerant turns into a high-pressure and high-temperature state after having been compressed by a compressor. The refrigerant then passes through a coil tube, where air is employed as a cooling medium, such that a cooling effect can be achieved by airflow. However, it is known that the conventional air-cooling condenser has a rather low thermal efficiency.

Further, the air, as employed in air-cooling condensers, has a low thermal conductivity in terms of sensible heat. As such, the thermal efficiency for heat exchange is quite limited. Moreover, in recent years, as influenced by greenhouse effect, global climate changes abnormally. The summer period in many countries is extended and the temperature in summer is rising. Hotter temperatures increase the demand for more air conditioning, and also cause the cooling efficiency of the air-cooling condenser to become much lower. Furthermore, in hotter climates, an air-cooling condenser requires an increased flow of air and greater surface area of cooling fins, in order to operate effectively. Since the resultant larger air-cooling condensers, as a whole, occupy more space and consume more energy, obviously the conventional air-cooling condensers are unsatisfactory. Therefore, the development of a high thermal efficiency, space and energy saving condenser becomes a top priority in the industry.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a condenser with a capillary cooling device, comprising a plurality of fins, a water reservoir, and a plurality of capillary water absorption layers. The plurality of fins is provided with wick structures on their surfaces thereof, respectively. The water reservoir is configured under the plurality of fins, and includes a water inlet pipe for supplying water into the water reservoir. The plurality of capillary water absorption layers is connected, respectively and correspondingly, at their upper sections, to the wick structures of the plurality of fins, and the plurality of capillary water absorption layers has its lower sections extended and submerged in the water of the water reservoir. As such, according to the present invention, capillarity and the characteristic of the plurality of capillary water absorption layers are utilized such that appropriate water moisturizes the fins having the wick structures. Moreover, a great amount of heat can be extracted from the fins when the water evaporates and a phase change occurs, so as to increase the thermal efficiency of the condenser.

According to the present invention, the condenser with a capillary cooling device may further comprise a pre-wetting water pipe arranged above the plurality of capillary water absorption layers so as to supply a certain amount of water to each individual layer. When the condenser is started, the pre-wetting water pipe moisturizes each individual capillary water absorption layer immediately, and such moisture extends to the overall wick structures of the plurality of fins. This will make evaporation and thermolysis take place instantly, without the need to wait for the occurrence of capillarity from the plurality of capillary water absorption layers, where water will be absorbed slowly and must reach the plurality of fins before thermolysis begins.

Further, according to the present invention, the pre-wetting water pipe may be provided, additionally, with a guiding trough or a solenoid, wherein the guiding trough may be connected at a lower section of the pre-wetting water pipe such that surplus water can flow back into the water reservoir. Alternatively, the plurality of capillary water absorption layers may be received inside the guiding trough, so that a collective and speedy moisturizing effect can be obtained. A solenoid can be connected to the pre-wetting water pipe so as to control a set amount of water into the pre-wetting water pipe.

According to the present invention, a partitioning board may be arranged inside the water reservoir, where the partitioning board divides the water reservoir into a working basin and a water-preparing basin. A valve is arranged on the partitioning board such that the valve can, selectively, communicate with or isolate the working basin from the water-preparing basin. According to the present invention, the water inlet pipe of the water reservoir may also be connected with a check valve for controlling the amount of water flowing into the water reservoir. Further, a water-level sensor may be arranged inside the water reservoir for feeding back a signal of water level to the controller, thereby maintaining a certain water level for the reservoir.

Still further, according to the present invention, the wick structures of the plurality of fins, or the plurality of capillary water absorption layers, may be comprised of, for instance, hydrophilic fiber layers, glass fiber layers, metal fiber layers, absorbent polymer layers, flocked layers, bump structure layers, sand structure layers, or a combination thereof, or other equivalents. Each layers of the plurality of capillary water absorption layers may be lapped over with a corresponding wick structure of the plurality of fins, or on the other hand, the plurality of capillary water absorption layers may extend, integrally, from the plurality of fins.

According to the present invention, the plurality of fins may all be arrayed horizontally or vertically. At least one surface of each fin of the plurality of cooling fins may have a wick structure.

Other objects, advantages, and novel features of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed descriptions when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a condenser with a capillary cooling device according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view illustrating an internal structure of the condenser according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a front elevation view illustrating the internal structure of the condenser according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view illustrating an internal structure of a condenser according to a second embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 5 is a front elevation view illustrating the internal structure of the condenser according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIG. 1, a perspective view illustrating a condenser with a capillary cooling device according to a first embodiment of the present invention; and to FIG. 2, an exploded view illustrating an internal structure of a condenser according to the first embodiment of the present invention, a condenser 1 comprises a plurality of fins 11, a refrigerant coil tube 12, a water reservoir 2, a plurality of capillary water absorption layers 3, a pre-wet water pipe 4, a fan 13, and a controller 5. The controller 5 is arranged inside a housing of the condenser 1, and is electrically connected with a solenoid 42, a valve 221, a check valve 25, a water-level sensor 26, and a fan 13.

As shown in FIG. 2, the refrigerant coil tube 12 is inserted into and among the plurality of fins 11 horizontally arrayed. And at least one side of each fin of the plurality of fins 11 is provided with a wick structure 110. In the present embodiment, each capillary water absorption layer of the plurality of capillary water absorption layers 3 is connected, at its upper section 31, correspondingly, to each fin of the plurality of fins 11 having the wick structure 110. The manner for such connection lies in that each capillary water absorption layer of the plurality of capillary water absorption layers 3 laps over a corresponding fin of the plurality of fins 11, where a lower section 32 of each layer of the capillary water absorption layers 3 extends and submerges in the water of the water reservoir 2. As such, in the present embodiment, capillarity and the characteristic of the plurality of capillary water absorption layers 3 are utilized such that appropriate water moisturizes the plurality of fins 11 having the wick structure 110. Moreover, a great amount of heat can be extracted from the plurality of fins 11 when the water evaporates and a phase change occurs, so as to increase the thermal efficiency of the condenser 1.

Further, the wick structure 110 of the plurality of fins 11, or the plurality of capillary water absorption layers 3, may be comprised of: hydrophilic fiber layers, glass fiber layers, metal fiber layers, absorbent polymer layers, flocked layers, bump structure layers, sand structure layers, or a combination thereof, or other equivalents. Still further, in the present embodiment, the plurality of capillary water absorbent layers 3 may be rolled into lampwick like shapes and extended into the water reservoir 2, such that the characteristic and effect of capillarity can also be obtained.

Now referring to FIG. 3, a front elevation view illustrating the internal structure of the condenser according to the first embodiment of the present invention; and also to FIG. 2, the pre-wetting water pipe 4 is arranged above the plurality of capillary water absorption layers 3 so as to supply a certain amount of water to the plurality of capillary water absorption layers 3. The pre-wetting water pipe 4 is connected with the solenoid 42 for controlling water input. When turning on the air conditioner, the controller 5 will actuate the solenoid 42 such that water will enter into the pre-wetting water pipe 4 for moisturizing each individual capillary water absorption layer of the plurality of capillary water absorption layers 3 immediately, and such moisture extends to all of the wick structures 110 of the plurality of fins 11. This will make evaporation and thermolysis take place instantly, without the need to wait for the occurrence of capillarity from the plurality of capillary water absorption layers 3, where water will be absorbed slowly and must reach the plurality of fins 11 before thermolysis begins. As indicated, after turning on the air conditioner, the pre-wetting water pipe 4 supplies a certain amount of water to the plurality of capillary water absorption layers 3 such that water distributes throughout the surfaces of the plurality of capillary water absorption layers 3. Subsequently, there is no need for the pre-wetting water pipe 4 to provide water anymore, as the system then relies on the water reservoir 2 to supply water through capillarity.

In the present embodiment, the pre-wetting water pipe 4 is connected, underneath, with a guiding trough 41, where a lower section of the pre-wetting water pipe 4 extends into the water reservoir 2 such that surplus water can flow through the pre-wetting water pipe 4 and into the water reservoir 2 without any waste of water.

In the present embodiment, the water reservoir 2 includes a water inlet pipe 21, a partitioning board 22, a working basin 23, a water-preparing basin 24, a check valve 25, and a water-level sensor 26. As shown in FIG. 2, the water reservoir 2 is arranged under the plurality of fins 11, where water flows into the water reservoir 2 through the water inlet pipe 21. The check valve 25 is connected with the water inlet pipe 21 for controlling the water amount. Further, a valve 221 is arranged on the partitioning board 22 in the water reservoir 2 such that the valve 221 can, selectively, communicate with or isolate the working basin 23 from the water-preparing basin 24. According to the present embodiment, the water-level sensor 26 is arranged inside the water reservoir 2 for detecting the water level in the working basin 23, and transmitting signals to the controller 5. The controller 5, based on water level signals, controls to what extent the check valve 25 should open, so as to allow a certain amount of water flowing through, or to stop water flowing therethrough. Further, a lid (not shown) may be provided covering the water reservoir 2 so as to prevent pollutants from entering into the water reservoir 2 and bacteria may not breed therein. Also, capillarity of the plurality of capillary water absorption layers 3 may not be blocked, nor the water in the water reservoir 2 evaporated.

It is understood from the present embodiment that when running the condenser 1, as shown in FIG. 2, the controller 5 governs the opening of the check valve 25 for flowing a certain amount of water through the water inlet pipe 21 and into the water-preparing basin 24. At the same time, the controller 5 also governs opening of the valve 221, so that the whole water reservoir 2 is filled with water. Meanwhile, the lower sections 32 of the plurality of capillary water absorption layers 3 submerge in the water, where, by means of capillarity and the characteristic of capillary water absorption layers 3, the plurality of capillary water absorption layers 3 diffuse water so as to moisturize each of the wick structures 110 corresponding to the plurality of fins 11. Since the wick structures 110 of the plurality of fins 11 distribute moisture over the surfaces of the plurality of fins 11 having the wick structures 110, a great amount of heat will be extracted from the plurality of fins 11 when moisture evaporates. When the controller 5 switches on the fan 13, water vapor resulting from evaporation will be expelled continuously, and relatively dry air is drawn in from outside, so as to enhance evaporation efficiency. As such, cooling efficiency of the condenser 1 can be greatly improved.

In the present embodiment, when the condenser 1 is shut down, the controller 5 governs to close the valve 221 provided on the partitioning board 22 in the water reservoir 2 such that the valve 221 will isolate the working basin 23 from the water-preparing basin 24. This makes only the water in the working basin 23 left for evaporation, without continuous inflow of water from the water-preparing basin 24, so that the water in the working basin 23 can be consumed by evaporation in a relatively short time, and that the condenser 1 can be maintained in a dry state when not in use.

Further, for a large-scale condenser, there will be a large number of fins, significantly increasing the time required for the capillarity of water upward to the upper-layer fins. As such, the number of water reservoirs may be increased such that the capillary water absorption layers, which are incorporated with the upper-layer fins, can submerge into upper water reservoirs.

Now references may be made to FIG. 4, an exploded view illustrating an internal structure of a condenser according to a second embodiment of the present invention; and to FIG. 5, a front elevation view illustrating the internal structure of the condenser. In the second embodiment, there would be redundant and therefore no need to repeat descriptions regarding the structure similar to that of the first embodiment. A condenser 6 with a capillary cooling device, according to the second embodiment of the present invention, comprises a plurality of fins 61, a refrigerant coil tube 62, a water reservoir 7, a pre-wetting spraying pipe 8, a fan 63, and a controller 50. The controller 50 is arranged inside the condenser 6, and is electrically connected with a solenoid 82, a valve 721, a check valve 75, a water-level sensor 76, and a fan 63.

As shown in FIG. 4, the refrigerant coil tube 62 is inserted into and among the plurality of fins 61 vertically arrayed. It is noted that one of the differences between the present embodiment and the first embodiment lies in that the plurality of fins 61 is vertically arrayed, and that a plurality of capillary water absorption layers 610 is attached to the corresponding fins of the plurality of fins 61 such that the lower section of the plurality of capillary water absorption layers 610 extends and submerges into the water reservoir 7. Likewise, in the present embodiment, a great amount of heat can be extracted from the plurality of fins 61 when the water evaporates and a phase change occurs, so as to increase the thermal efficiency of the condenser 6.

Further, referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, according to the present embodiment, the pre-wetting spraying pipe 8 of the condenser 6 is provided with a plurality of spraying holes 81, and the pre-wetting spraying pipe 8 is located right above the plurality of fins 61. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, the plurality of spraying holes 81 of the pre-wetting spraying pipe 8 supplies a certain amount of water toward each of the corresponding fins of the plurality of fins 61 and thus each capillary water absorption layer of the plurality of capillary water absorption layers 610. Since the pre-wetting spraying pipe 8 is connected with the solenoid 82, a certain amount of water input can be controlled. When turning on the air conditioner, the condenser 6 is started, then the controller 50 governs the opening of the solenoid 82 such that water will flow through the pre-wetting spraying water pipe 8 and spray out of the plurality of spraying holes 81 a certain amount of water for moisturizing each individual capillary water absorption layer of the plurality of the capillary water absorption layers 610 of the plurality of fins 61. This will make evaporation and thermolysis take place instantly, without the need to wait for the occurrence of capillarity from downward to upward of the plurality of capillary water absorption layers 610 where water can only be absorbed slowly and reach to all of the plurality of fins 61. As indicated, after turning on the air conditioner, the pre-wetting spraying pipe 8 sprays, through the plurality of spraying holes 81, a certain amount of water to the plurality of capillary water absorption layers 610 such that water distributes rapidly throughout the surfaces of the plurality of capillary water absorption layers 610. Subsequently, there is no need for the pre-wetting spraying pipe 8 to spray water through the plurality of spraying holes 81 anymore, as the system then relies on the water reservoir 7 to supply water through capillarity.

In the present embodiment, the water reservoir 7 includes a water inlet pipe 71, a partitioning board 72, a working basin 73, a water-preparing basin 74, a check valve 75, and a water-level sensor 76. As shown in FIG. 4, the water reservoir 7 is configured under the plurality of fins 61, where water flows into the water reservoir 7 through the water inlet pipe 71. The check valve 75 is connected with the water inlet pipe 71 for controlling the water amount. Further, a valve 721 is arranged on the partitioning board 72 in the water reservoir 7 such that the valve 721 can, selectively, communicate with or isolate the working basin 73 from the water-preparing basin 74. According to the present embodiment, the water-level sensor 76 is arranged inside the water reservoir 7 for detecting the water level in the working basin 73, and transmitting signals to the controller 50. The controller 50, based on water level signals, controls to what extent the check valve 75 should open, so as to allow a certain amount of water flowing through, or to stop water flowing therethrough.

It is understood from the present embodiment that, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, when running the condenser 6, the controller 50 governs the opening of the check valve 75 for flowing a certain amount of water through the water inlet pipe 71 and into the working basin 73. At the same time, the controller 50 governs the opening of the check valve 75, so that the water flows into the water-preparing basin 74. Meanwhile, the plurality of capillary water absorption layers 610 of the plurality of fins 61 submerge in the water, and by means of capillarity and the characteristic of the capillary water absorption layers 610, the plurality of capillary water absorption layers 610 diffuse water so as to moisturize overall surfaces of the plurality of fins 61, whereby a great amount of heat will be extracted from the plurality of fins 61 when moisture evaporates. When the controller 50 switches on the fan 63 to continue operation, water vapor will be expelled continuously, and relatively dry air drawn in from outside, so as to enhance evaporation efficiency. As such, cooling efficiency of the condenser 6 can be greatly improved.

Although the present invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed. 

1. A condenser with a capillary cooling device, comprising: a plurality of fins, being provided with wick structures on the surfaces thereof respectively; a water reservoir, being configured under the plurality of fins, and including a water inlet pipe for supplying water into the water reservoir; and a plurality of capillary water absorption layers, being connected, respectively and correspondingly, at their upper sections, to the wick structures of the plurality of fins, wherein the plurality of capillary water absorption layers has its lower sections extended and submerged in the water of the water reservoir.
 2. The condenser with a capillary cooling device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a pre-wetting water pipe arranged above the plurality of capillary water absorption layers so as to supply a certain amount of water to the plurality of capillary water absorption layers.
 3. The condenser with a capillary cooling device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the pre-wetting water pipe is further provided, with a guiding trough, and the plurality of capillary water absorption layers is received inside the guiding trough.
 4. The condenser with a capillary cooling device as claimed in claim 2, wherein a solenoid is connected to the pre-wetting water pipe so as to control the amount water entering the pre-wetting water pipe.
 5. The condenser with a capillary cooling device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a partitioning board is arranged inside the water reservoir, and the partitioning board divides the water reservoir into a working basin and a water-preparing basin, and wherein a valve is arranged on the partitioning board such that the valve can, selectively, communicate with or isolate the working basin from the water-preparing basin.
 6. The condenser with a capillary cooling device as claimed in claim 2, wherein a partitioning board is arranged inside the water reservoir, and the partitioning board divides the water reservoir into a working basin and a water-preparing basin, and wherein a valve is arranged on the partitioning board such that the valve can, selectively, communicate with or isolate the working basin from the water-preparing basin.
 7. The condenser with a capillary cooling device as claimed in claim 3, wherein a partitioning board is arranged inside the water reservoir, and the partitioning board divides the water reservoir into a working basin and a water-preparing basin, and wherein a valve is arranged on the partitioning board such that the valve can, selectively, communicate with or isolate the working basin from the water-preparing basin.
 8. The condenser with a capillary cooling device as claimed in claim 4, wherein a partitioning board is arranged inside the water reservoir, and the partitioning board divides the water reservoir into a working basin and a water-preparing basin, and wherein a valve is arranged on the partitioning board such that the valve can, selectively, communicate with or isolate the working basin from the water-preparing basin.
 9. The condenser with a capillary cooling device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the water inlet pipe of the water reservoir is connected with a check valve for controlling the amount of water flowing into the water reservoir.
 10. The condenser with a capillary cooling device as claimed in claim 9, wherein a water-level sensor is further configured inside the water reservoir.
 11. The condenser with a capillary cooling device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wick structure of the plurality of fins is selected from a group consisting of hydrophilic fiber layers, glass fiber layers, metal fiber layers, absorbent polymer layers, flocked layers, bump structure layers, sand structure layers, and a combination thereof.
 12. The condenser with a capillary cooling device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the wick structure of the plurality of fins is selected from a group consisting of hydrophilic fiber layers, glass fiber layers, metal fiber layers, absorbent polymer layers, flocked layers, bump structure layers, sand structure layers, and a combination thereof.
 13. The condenser with a capillary cooling device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the wick structure of the plurality of fins is selected from a group consisting of hydrophilic fiber layers, glass fiber layers, metal fiber layers, absorbent polymer layers, flocked layers, bump structure layers, sand structure layers, and a combination thereof.
 14. The condenser with a capillary cooling device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the wick structure of the plurality of fins is selected from a group consisting of hydrophilic fiber layers, glass fiber layers, metal fiber layers, absorbent polymer layers, flocked layers, bump structure layers, sand structure layers, and a combination thereof.
 15. The condenser with a capillary cooling device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of capillary water absorption layers is selected from a group consisting of hydrophilic fiber layers, glass fiber layers, metal fiber layers, absorbent polymer layers, flocked layers, bump structure layers, sand structure layers, and a combination thereof.
 16. The condenser with a capillary cooling device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the plurality of capillary water absorption layers is selected from a group consisting of hydrophilic fiber layers, glass fiber layers, metal fiber layers, absorbent polymer layers, flocked layers, bump structure layers, sand structure layers, and a combination thereof.
 17. The condenser with a capillary cooling device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the plurality of capillary water absorption layers is selected from a group consisting of hydrophilic fiber layers, glass fiber layers, metal fiber layers, absorbent polymer layers, flocked layers, bump structure layers, sand structure layers, and a combination thereof.
 18. The condenser with a capillary cooling device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the plurality of capillary water absorption layers is selected from a group consisting of hydrophilic fiber layers, glass fiber layers, metal fiber layers, absorbent polymer layers, flocked layers, bump structure layers, sand structure layers, and a combination thereof.
 19. The condenser with a capillary cooling device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of capillary water absorption layers is lapped over with a corresponding wick structure of the plurality of fins. 